Some parents have a family tradition of telling their children their birth story every year on their birthday. God tells Jesus’ birth story to us in the Christmas narrative. Telling our stories defines us. My mother told my birth story quite often but since she is no longer with me to celebrate the occasion of this milestone birthday, I tell myself the story through her written words I recently discovered in her personal letters.
Everyday Life
My Sixtieth Birthday Wish
I’m turning sixty in a few days and for my birthday I want sixty reviews (or as many as possible) for my book: “Favored Blessed Pierced: A Fresh Look at Mary of Nazareth.”
The Difference between Envy and Jealousy
Do you know the difference between envy and jealousy? I did not until I heard a message from Jamin Roller at Citizens Church, Plano, Texas. I owe these thoughts to him.
Wise Words From My Mom
My mom was a keeper (pun intended). She kept documents, notes, calendars, prayer letters, cards—anything she thought important. On this thirteen anniversary of her graduation to glory, I share some of my mother’s wise words.
To the Groom and his Bride
On August 7, 2022, my first-born son, Lane, married Pam in a lovely ceremony officiated by my husband. Here are the words we, as his parents, spoke over them.
4 Applications from Hebrews 10 for Trying Times
Public insults. Conflict. Persecution. Prison. Confiscated Property. The readers of the the New Testament letter of Hebrews experienced all this in the early days of their walk with Jesus. While I cannot attest to this kind of suffering, I do know trial—wrecked car, bureaucracy headaches, ant infestation, health issues, the passing of loved ones. Like the early Christians, I too need the author’s counsel on facing trying times.
Be Strengthened by Grace
I feel like I've done a bunch of things wrong lately. I feel like I’ve done something morally wrong. Like I’m a criminal, or a bad person. Like I’ve been caught with my hand in the cookie jar when I never actually put it in. Or accidentally put it in. The fact is I’m a rule follower and I don’t like looking bad.
Cultivating Relationships in the Comfortable Spaces
Some argue it’s easy to love God when life is comfortable. But I propose that it’s actually harder to stay close to and rely on him during these times. How do I nurture our relationship when life is fine, ordinary, and boring? What about when there isn’t a crisis, a hurt, or a longing to take to him?
Pondered Treasures 